Indulge in the rich, buttery flavors of the South with this Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake. Featuring a luscious topping of toasted pecans, shredded coconut, and brown sugar, this cake offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes. The moist and tender cake base perfectly complements the caramelized pecan topping, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Topping:
- 2 cups toasted pecans, chopped
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup milk
- 2/3 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Prepare the Topping:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Topping Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped toasted pecans, shredded coconut, brown sugar, melted butter, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Spread Topping: Spread the topping mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Prepare the Cake:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, packed brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Assemble and Bake:
- Pour Batter: Pour the cake batter evenly over the pecan topping in the baking dish. Spread it out smoothly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Invert: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake, then carefully invert it onto a serving platter. Let it cool completely before slicing.
Serve:
- Slice and Enjoy: Slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy the rich, buttery flavors and the delightful combination of textures.
Cook’s Tips:
- Toasting Pecans: Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and slightly browned. This enhances their flavor.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps in achieving a smooth batter and even baking.
- Careful Inversion: Invert the cake while it is still warm but not too hot to prevent the topping from sticking to the pan. Use a large platter or a baking sheet for easy handling.
Variations:
- Nut Mix: Substitute some of the pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a mixed nut topping.
- Spiced Cake: Add a teaspoon of ground nutmeg or allspice to the cake batter for additional warm spices.
- Fruit Addition: Add a layer of thinly sliced apples or pears on top of the pecan topping for a fruity twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cake for a decadent touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature and serve the next day.
Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: How can I prevent the topping from sticking to the pan? A: Make sure to grease the pan well or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cake.
Q: Can I use sweetened shredded coconut? A: Yes, sweetened shredded coconut can be used, but you might want to reduce the amount of sugar in the topping slightly to balance the sweetness.
Q: What can I serve with this cake? A: This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
The Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake is a delightful dessert that brings the rich, nutty flavors of pecans to the forefront, complemented by the sweetness of coconut and brown sugar. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or a special treat, this cake is sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and delicious taste. Enjoy the comfort and warmth of this Southern classic, and make any occasion memorable with this indulgent dessert.
Indulge in the rich, buttery flavors of this Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake, perfect for any occasion!
